Declining Motor Function Is Associated with Rising 10-Year Mortality

Most research on decline of cognitive and motor function in older adults has addressed “terminal decline” in cognitive function in the years immediately before death, when opportunities for intervention are limited. Some studies, however, have shown associations between declining cognitive and motor function and excess mortality risk even in midlife, with differences in cognitive function and walking speed emerging as early as 15 and 10 years before death, respectively.

To better characterize the long-term trajectory of decline in motor function in older adults and its association with mortality, researchers analyzed data from more than 6000 British civil service workers who have been enrolled in a prospective cohort study since the late 198…